Saturday's dueling demonstrations between left-wing Antifa and far-right groups were mostly peaceful. Some isolated confrontations occurred after the main rally.

Author:
Jared Cowley, KGW, Nate Hanson, KGW

Published:
10:30 AM PDT August 17, 2019

Updated:
5:35 PM PDT August 19, 2019

PORTLAND, Ore. — A rally of right-wing groups in downtown Portland on Saturday was mostly peaceful as Portland police were able to keep large groups of right-wing and left-wing protesters away from each other.

"The End of Domestic Terrorism" rally started at 11 a.m. at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland.

Once the main rally was over, there were isolated confrontations between individuals but the widespread violence some feared could happen never occurred.

Portland police said at least 13 people were arrested.

On Sunday, police reported that of the 13 arrests, two were booked into the Multnomah County Jail, nine received criminal citations and were released, and two teenagers were referred to Multnomah County juvenile services.

The two suspects booked into jail were 37-year-old Alexander G. Dial, who faces charges of with second-degree attempted assault and unlawful use of a weapon, and Damien McKinnon, who faces a charge of second-degree disorderly conduct.

Alexander Dial was arrested during a protest in Portland, Ore. on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, and booked into the Multnomah County jail on charges of second-degree attempted assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

Portland Police Bureau

Damien McKinnon was arrested during a protest in Portland, Ore. on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, on a charge of second-degree disorderly conduct.

Portland Police Bureau

A 17-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl were referred to juvenile services and face charges of second-degree disorderly conduct.

The names of the nine suspects who were cited and released, with their age and criminal citations:

More arrests and charges could be made in the future as the investigation into the demonstrations continues, police said.

The dueling demonstrations garnered national attention, including from President Donald Trump on Saturday morning. The president mentioned Portland in a tweet prior to the start of the rally, calling out left-wing Antifa and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler.

"Major consideration is being given to naming ANTIFA an "ORGANIZATION OF TERROR." Portland is being watched very closely. Hopefully the Mayor will be able to properly do his job!" Trump tweeted.

The rally was reportedly organized by Joe Biggs, a former InfoWars staffer, and Enrique Tarrio, chairman of the Proud Boys, a group that the Southern Poverty Law Center has designated as a hate group. The Associated Press reported other far-right groups were expected to be in Portland.

Leading up to the protests Mayor Wheeler said that the police response on Saturday would be "on a scale that this city hasn’t seen in years." He said he directed Portland police "to use whatever means necessary and to amass whatever resources necessary to ensure public safety and to uphold the law."

Live updates

9:50 a.m.: A prayer service at Waterfront Park early Saturday morning has attracted a group of people as police across the street are on standby in anticipation of Saturday's planned protests. Some people in the group are holding anti-Trump signs, and counter-protesters and Antifa groups are gathered outside Waterfront Park.

10:57 a.m.: A large group of protesters wearing red hats and waving American flags has gathered on the Morrison Bridge and is attempting to cross. Police officers initially block the protesters from crossing but are now allowing them to pass and move into Waterfront Park.

11:15 a.m.: Portland police report that officers have seized weapons from multiple groups at the rally, including bear spray, shields, and metal and wooden poles.

11:39 a.m.: During an interview on CNN, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler responds to Donald Trump's Saturday morning tweet in which the president calls out Antifa and the Portland mayor. "It's not helpful. This is a potentially dangerous and volatile situation," Wheeler says.

11:42 a.m.: Portland police have reopened the Hawthorne Bridge momentarily to allow a group of right-wing protesters to cross to the east side of the Willamette River. Now that the group has crossed, police are closing the bridge again. This is being done "to ensure [the] safety of participants who wanted to leave the demonstration," police report.

11:49 a.m.: Portland police detain a person under the Morrison Bridge after telling people to stay out of the street.

12:10 p.m.: A counter-protester gets into the middle of the right-wing group, but police remove him quickly.

12:18 p.m.: The main groups of left-wing and right-wing protesters are now separated on either ends of the Hawthorne Bridge after Portland police earlier reopened the bridge momentarily to let the right-wing group cross the bridge. The left-wing group is now trying to cross the bridge, but police have blocked it.

12:20 p.m.: KGW's Tim Gordon interviews protest organizer Joe Biggs, who flew in from Florida to lead today's rally. Biggs says he organized the protest and flew out here because "Portland is my city, too."

12:28 p.m.: The crowd at the east end of the Hawthorne Bridge, where the right-wing protesters are gathered, is starting to thin out, according to KGW's Tim Gordon. KGW News partner The Oregonian shares a photo of right-wing protesters getting onto buses.

1:02 p.m.: Portland police announce they've made at least three arrests during the protests.

1:03 p.m.: Portland police announce a group of left-wing protesters is marching eastbound on the Burnside Bridge. Police have stopped traffic for safety, and are advising those walking in the street on the bridge to return to the sidewalk or be arrested. The group is moving from the bridge to southbound on Southeast Martin Luther King Boulevard and blocking traffic, police say.

1:40 p.m.: Left-wing protesters find a bus carrying right-wing protesters as it's coming off the Morrison Bridge. The protesters hit and kick the bus repeatedly and then chase it through the streets.

1:45 p.m.: A wounded protester is taken away by police at Southwest Harvey Milk Street and Naito Parkway. It's unclear what led to the person's injuries. According to Portland police, "officers came upon an injured individual" in the area. It's unclear if they're referring to the wounded person who was taken away by police.

2:17 p.m.: Police respond to two people who were in a fight near Battleship Oregon Memorial Marine Park, KGW's Christine Pitawanich reports. Two men were maced and threw punches before police arrived.

2:25 p.m.: A woman is arrested for not following police orders. KGW's Tim Gordon reports she was drowning out Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson, who showed up at the demonstrations one day after being arrested for a felony riot charge related to a brawl between clashing protesters on May Day.

Most of the right-wing demonstrators have left at this point.

2:25 p.m.: A contingent of protesters remain at Waterfront Park, although traffic is still getting by on Naito Parkway.

2:30 p.m.: In a video update, Portland police says at least four people have been arrested.

2:49 p.m.: Protesters remain in the area of Waterfront Park, some blocking a nearby street, according to police.

3:04 p.m.: At least one person is detained at Southwest 3rd Avenue and Oak Street.

3:21 p.m.: Portland police said at least 13 people have been arrested. They also report at least four people have been evaluated by medics.

3:33 p.m.: Portland police said plastic water bottles are being thrown at them by protesters. KGW's Christine Pitawanich reports the remaining protesters are mostly left-wing.

3:56 p.m.: A group of protesters sit in the street near Pioneer Courthouse Square.

4:12 p.m.: As demonstrators continue to march in the streets, Portland police say the protest has become a civil disturbance.

5:30 p.m.: Many of the remaining demonstrators have dispersed. A small group remains at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

6:15 p.m.: Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Police Chief Danielle Outlaw discuss the police response to the protests. The mayor commends police for their role in making the day "largely peaceful."

Left-aligning protesters gather near Battleship Oregon Memorial Marine Park on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, in downtown Portland, Ore. Hundreds of far-right protesters and anti-fascist counter-demonstrators swarmed the downtown area, as police set up concrete barriers and closed streets and bridges in an effort to contain and separate the rival groups. (AP Photo/Moriah Ratner)

A "Banana Bloc Dance Party" gathering is held near Battleship Oregon Memorial Marine Park on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, in downtown Portland, Ore. Hundreds of far-right protesters and anti-fascist counter-demonstrators swarmed the downtown area, as police set up concrete barriers and closed streets and bridges in an effort to contain and separate the rival groups. (AP Photo/Moriah Ratner)

A posted sign reads "Be Safe. August 17th" is posted in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Right-wing groups and counterprotesters gathered in downtown Portland, Oregon, on Saturday and authorities set up concrete barriers and closed streets in an effort to contain the groups. (AP Photo/Gillian Flaccus)

A member of the Proud Boys, who declined to give his name, carries a flag before the start of a protest in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Police have mobilized to prevent clashes between conservative groups and counter-protesters who plan to converge in the city. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Anti-fascist counter-demonstrators cross the Burnside Bridge across the Willamette River from the west side of the city to the east side in search of the far-right group, the Proud Boys, in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Self-described anti-fascists vowed to confront the rally while leaders from the far right urged their followers to turn out in large numbers to protest the arrests of multiple members of right-wing groups in the run-up to the event. Antifa members often cover their faces with masks, making it harder to identify them. (AP Photo/Gillian Flaccus)

Police officers ride on the side of a van as right-wing demonstrators and counter-protesters gather in Portland, Ore., for an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Police seized metal poles, bear spray and other weapons as hundreds of far-right protesters and anti-fascist counter-demonstrators swarmed downtown Portland. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Police officers ride on the side of a vehicle as right-wing demonstrators and counter-protesters gather in Portland, Ore., for an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Right-wing groups and counterprotesters gathered in downtown Portland and authorities set up concrete barriers and closed streets in an effort to contain the two groups.(AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators plant a flag in Tom McCall Waterfront Park during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the situation was "potentially dangerous and volatile" but as of early afternoon most of the right-wing groups had left the area via a downtown bridge and police used officers on bikes and in riot gear to keep black clad, helmet and mask-wearing anti-fascist protesters — known as antifa — from following them. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Joseph Oakman and fellow Proud Boys plant a flag in Tom McCall Waterfront Park during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the situation was "potentially dangerous and volatile" but as of early afternoon most of the right-wing groups had left the area via a downtown bridge and police used officers on bikes and in riot gear to keep black clad, helmet and mask-wearing anti-fascist protesters — known as antifa — from following them. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

A member of the Proud Boys, who declined to give his name, carries a flag before the start of a protest in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Police have mobilized to prevent clashes between conservative groups and counter-protesters who plan to converge in the city. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Joseph Oakman, a member of the Proud Boys, wears body armor during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Right-wing groups and counterprotesters gathered in downtown Portland and authorities set up concrete barriers and closed streets in an effort to contain the two groups.(AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators march across the Hawthorne Bridge during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. The group includes organizer Joe Biggs, in green hat, and Proud Boys Chairman Enrique Tarrio, holding megaphone. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

A conservative demonstrator, who declined to give his name, rallies in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Police have mobilized to prevent clashes between conservative groups and counter-protesters who converged on the city. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

A counter-protester confronts members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the situation was "potentially dangerous and volatile" but as of early afternoon most of the right-wing groups had left the area via a downtown bridge and police used officers on bikes and in riot gear to keep black clad, helmet and mask-wearing anti-fascist protesters — known as antifa — from following them. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Joseph Oakman, a member of the Proud Boys, wears body armor during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Right-wing groups and counterprotesters gathered in downtown Portland and authorities set up concrete barriers and closed streets in an effort to contain the two groups.(AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators march across the Hawthorne Bridge during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Police have mobilized to prevent clashes between conservative groups and counter-protesters who converged on the city. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators march along the Willamette River during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Police have mobilized to prevent clashes between conservative groups and counter-protesters who converged on the city. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators march along the Willamette River during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Police have mobilized to prevent clashes between conservative groups and counter-protesters who converged on the city. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators march across the Hawthorne Bridge during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. The group includes organizer Joe Biggs, center in green hat, and Proud Boys Chairman Enrique Tarrio, holding megaphone. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

A man yells as right-wing demonstrators and counter-protesters gather in Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the situation was "potentially dangerous and volatile" but as of early afternoon most of the right-wing groups had left the area via a downtown bridge and police used officers on bikes and in riot gear to keep black clad, helmet and mask-wearing anti-fascist protesters — known as antifa — from following them. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Left-aligning protesters gather near Battleship Oregon Memorial Marine Park on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, in downtown Portland, Ore. Hundreds of far-right protesters and anti-fascist counter-demonstrators swarmed the downtown area, as police set up concrete barriers and closed streets and bridges in an effort to contain and separate the rival groups. (AP Photo/Moriah Ratner)

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A "Banana Bloc Dance Party" gathering is held near Battleship Oregon Memorial Marine Park on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, in downtown Portland, Ore. Hundreds of far-right protesters and anti-fascist counter-demonstrators swarmed the downtown area, as police set up concrete barriers and closed streets and bridges in an effort to contain and separate the rival groups. (AP Photo/Moriah Ratner)

A posted sign reads "Be Safe. August 17th" is posted in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Right-wing groups and counterprotesters gathered in downtown Portland, Oregon, on Saturday and authorities set up concrete barriers and closed streets in an effort to contain the groups. (AP Photo/Gillian Flaccus)

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A member of the Proud Boys, who declined to give his name, carries a flag before the start of a protest in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Police have mobilized to prevent clashes between conservative groups and counter-protesters who plan to converge in the city. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

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Anti-fascist counter-demonstrators cross the Burnside Bridge across the Willamette River from the west side of the city to the east side in search of the far-right group, the Proud Boys, in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Self-described anti-fascists vowed to confront the rally while leaders from the far right urged their followers to turn out in large numbers to protest the arrests of multiple members of right-wing groups in the run-up to the event. Antifa members often cover their faces with masks, making it harder to identify them. (AP Photo/Gillian Flaccus)

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Police officers ride on the side of a van as right-wing demonstrators and counter-protesters gather in Portland, Ore., for an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Police seized metal poles, bear spray and other weapons as hundreds of far-right protesters and anti-fascist counter-demonstrators swarmed downtown Portland. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Police officers ride on the side of a vehicle as right-wing demonstrators and counter-protesters gather in Portland, Ore., for an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Right-wing groups and counterprotesters gathered in downtown Portland and authorities set up concrete barriers and closed streets in an effort to contain the two groups.(AP Photo/Noah Berger)

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Members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators plant a flag in Tom McCall Waterfront Park during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the situation was "potentially dangerous and volatile" but as of early afternoon most of the right-wing groups had left the area via a downtown bridge and police used officers on bikes and in riot gear to keep black clad, helmet and mask-wearing anti-fascist protesters — known as antifa — from following them. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

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Joseph Oakman and fellow Proud Boys plant a flag in Tom McCall Waterfront Park during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the situation was "potentially dangerous and volatile" but as of early afternoon most of the right-wing groups had left the area via a downtown bridge and police used officers on bikes and in riot gear to keep black clad, helmet and mask-wearing anti-fascist protesters — known as antifa — from following them. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

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A member of the Proud Boys, who declined to give his name, carries a flag before the start of a protest in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Police have mobilized to prevent clashes between conservative groups and counter-protesters who plan to converge in the city. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

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Joseph Oakman, a member of the Proud Boys, wears body armor during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Right-wing groups and counterprotesters gathered in downtown Portland and authorities set up concrete barriers and closed streets in an effort to contain the two groups.(AP Photo/Noah Berger)

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Members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators march across the Hawthorne Bridge during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. The group includes organizer Joe Biggs, in green hat, and Proud Boys Chairman Enrique Tarrio, holding megaphone. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

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A conservative demonstrator, who declined to give his name, rallies in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Police have mobilized to prevent clashes between conservative groups and counter-protesters who converged on the city. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

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A counter-protester confronts members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the situation was "potentially dangerous and volatile" but as of early afternoon most of the right-wing groups had left the area via a downtown bridge and police used officers on bikes and in riot gear to keep black clad, helmet and mask-wearing anti-fascist protesters — known as antifa — from following them. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

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Joseph Oakman, a member of the Proud Boys, wears body armor during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Right-wing groups and counterprotesters gathered in downtown Portland and authorities set up concrete barriers and closed streets in an effort to contain the two groups.(AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators march across the Hawthorne Bridge during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Police have mobilized to prevent clashes between conservative groups and counter-protesters who converged on the city. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

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Members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators march along the Willamette River during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Police have mobilized to prevent clashes between conservative groups and counter-protesters who converged on the city. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

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Members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators march along the Willamette River during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Police have mobilized to prevent clashes between conservative groups and counter-protesters who converged on the city. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Members of the Proud Boys and other right-wing demonstrators march across the Hawthorne Bridge during an "End Domestic Terrorism" rally in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. The group includes organizer Joe Biggs, center in green hat, and Proud Boys Chairman Enrique Tarrio, holding megaphone. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

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A man yells as right-wing demonstrators and counter-protesters gather in Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the situation was "potentially dangerous and volatile" but as of early afternoon most of the right-wing groups had left the area via a downtown bridge and police used officers on bikes and in riot gear to keep black clad, helmet and mask-wearing anti-fascist protesters — known as antifa — from following them. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)